Help Kids Develop a Growth Mindset with the Big Life Journal | Caitlin Fitzpatrick Curley, GeekMom

Help Kids Develop a Growth Mindset With the Big Life Journal

Education GeekMom

As a year-round homeschooler, I am constantly on the quest for fun, engaging, and unique educational opportunities. When children are engaged in an activity that they enjoy, they have no idea that they are learning!

Enter the Big Life Journal, our family’s latest discovery.

The Big Life Journal is a journal unlike any other because it is based on growth mindset theory.

Help Kids Develop a Growth Mindset With the Big Life Journal

Help Kids Develop a Growth Mindset with the Big Life Journal | Caitlin Fitzpatrick Curley, GeekMom
Image source: Caitlin Fitzpatrick Curley

*Disclosure: I received the Big Life Journal at no cost in exchange for a review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I only choose to review products that I would use with my own family and those that I believe other families will enjoy.

What is the Big Life Journal?

Recommended for children ages 7 and up, the Big Life Journal is a growth mindset journal for kids. It is divided into 26 weeks and is designed to be used once per week.

The Big Life Journal is designed to help children develop a growth mindset. Rather than believing that their intelligence and skills are fixed, children with a growth mindset believe that they can use effort and strategies to continually grow and improve.

Together, a child and his or her “Journal Buddy” (a parent, grandparent, sibling, or caregiver) read, write, and discuss a variety of topics each week.

Help Kids Develop a Growth Mindset with the Big Life Journal | Caitlin Fitzpatrick Curley, GeekMom
Image source: Caitlin Fitzpatrick Curley

Over the 26-weeks, the child and his or her Journal Buddy explore a variety of topics including:

  • Make a Difference in the World
  • Dream Big
  • Follow Your Heart
  • You Are Not What You Have
  • Believe in Yourself
  • Take Action
  • Be Persistent
  • Effort is Key
  • Love Learning
  • Be Mindful
  • Be Grateful
  • Failure is Learning
  • Be Positive

Together, the child and his or her Journal Buddy discuss these subjects. The Big Life Journal incorporates stories, illustrations, poems, and activities to help children and dive deep.

Help Kids Develop a Growth Mindset with the Big Life Journal | Caitlin Fitzpatrick Curley, GeekMom
Image source: Caitlin Fitzpatrick Curley

How to Use This Journal

Using the Big Life Journal is simple:

  1. Select a journal buddy. This could be a parent, grandparent, sibling, or friend.
  2. Pick a time to journal and stick to it every single week. Find a time that works for both the child and the journal buddy and commit to this new tradition.
  3. Have fun! The Big Life Journal is designed to be a fun tradition. Read, write, chat, and get creative. You’ll be making memories in the process.
Help Kids Develop a Growth Mindset with the Big Life Journal | Caitlin Fitzpatrick Curley, GeekMom
Image source: Caitlin Fitzpatrick Curley

What We Love About the Big Life Journal

I’m not going to lie–I am a journal addict. As such, I’ve tried a lot of journals over the years, from popular journals on the market to homemade ones. The Big Life Journal is a journal unlike any other. I love how unique and creative this journal is! Plus, as a busy homeschool mama, I appreciate the time commitment. Using this journal once per week keeps it special and fun without any of the pressure of a daily journal.

Above all, I love the messages contained in this journal. Children learn that they have control over themselves, their behavior, and the world around them. When children have a growth mindset, they believe that they can always improve and grow–what a wonderful message to teach our children at an early age!

I’m excited to have discovered Big Life Journal and to share this tradition with my children. This simple routine has been a wonderful addition to our summer!

Now, it’s your turn. Tell me: Do you journal with your children? Share here!

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